Dunne: No fear of Manchester United

Richard Dunne admits Aston Villa must prove they have the credentials to claim a Champions League spot by playing without fear against Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Challenge: Dunne’s Villa travel to Old Trafford tomorrow

Dunne enjoyed plenty of success against the champions with former club Manchester City, including a Premier League double two seasons ago.

Villa, however, have an awful recent record in this fixture, having not won in the league since 1995.

But after defeating Chelsea and Liverpool already this term, Dunne said: ‘We know on any given day we can beat anyone.

‘We have got a squad full of top-quality talent. Nobody should be afraid going into the game.

‘We all respect and know how good United are but, if we are to challenge the top four, these are the games we have to go and have the belief to play and impose our game on them.

‘United have a decent record against Villa but this season we just feel a little bit different and we have got the tools to win games against the big sides. We will give it a good go and try and prove to United and the rest of the league we are here to challenge for that top four.’

Reflecting on his time with City, Dunne added: ‘My record against United is not bad. I have had a few draws and wins but every game I’ve played against them before has been a derby. This will be a different atmosphere.’

Villa boss Martin O’Neill still expects a tough test despite United’s injury list, which forced them to field Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung in defence against Wolfsburg in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

‘Sir Alex Ferguson might not have every single option available to him but he’ll have a lot more, you can guarantee that,’ O’Neill said.

‘Manchester United couldn’t have won the number of championships they have without having one of the strongest squads in European football.’